The three mistakes to avoid when it comes to winter tires

We can already feel the cold approaching. The leaves on the trees have gone from green to bright reds and oranges, and now they are starting to fall. Winter is upon us, and that means that it’s time to start thinking about winter tires which have been mandatory for drivers in Quebec long enough that most of us are aware of that fact.

The new law came into effect back in 2008 with section 440.1 requiring all passenger vehicles to be equipped with tires “specifically designed for winter driving.” These tires are identified with a pictograph of a mountain with a snowflake in the middle (this emblem is mandatory since 2014), and they must be installed on every vehicle from December 15^th to March 15^th. Otherwise, offending motorists face a fine that varies from $200 to $300.

This new law which aims to ensure greater safety on Quebec roads in winter is quite justifiable. With the winters we have, whether we are in Montreal or elsewhere, it is inconceivable to face the roads without proper winter tires, regardless of the vehicle we drive.

Except that as soon as there is a law, there will always be ways to get around it, or in the case of winter tires, abide by it while at the same time missing its actual purpose. Winter tires can be expensive, and for many consumers they simply do not fit in their budget. These consumers are forced to find more affordable means to abide by the law. So they turn to used tires which can be more or less effective, or poor-quality imported tires.

“It is true that winter tires can be expensive, but in return there are several affordable, quality models that ensure good stability and improved safety on a snowy or icy road. We must not forget that the tire is the only point of contact between our car and the road, and sometimes it is better to spend a little more for a safe winter tire, and reduce our spending elsewhere to compensate “, says a Pneus Touchette and TireLand technician in the Montreal region.

There are three mistakes to avoid at all costs when it comes to winter tires.

1. Choosing winter tires based solely on price

There is a range of winter tires on the market, and as with any product these tires will have qualities and shortcomings. Some will be better suited for snow while others will perform better on ice. Some will have a very long life while others will be more comfortable and quiet.

There are brands that are better suited for SUVs while others are better suited to a sedan. In short, your needs and your anticipated use of your winter tires should dictate your choice, not just the price. Once you have determined your needs, you can then choose the most affordable winter tire among those that meet your criteria.

2. Not replacing worn winter tires

Simply put, a worn winter tire is no longer effective. One of the peculiarities of winter tires is that the grooves are deeper to better evacuate snow. A worn tire loses this characteristic, and the snow tends to accumulate more easily on the surface. In addition, all other features of the winter tire, such as its sipes that compress and act like small suction cups, will be less effective if the tires are worn.

There are several ways to check if a winter tire is too worn. Winter tires have a wear indicator typically located in one of the grooves that shows if the tire should be replaced. That’s the case if the rubber is at the height of the indicator. There are also special tools that can be used to measure the thickness of the tire which must be more than 4.8 mm. This thickness will allow you to ride all winter without reaching the legal limit of 1.6 mm. Finally, you can refer to the behavior of your tire last winter. If you had difficulty climbing steep slopes or felt that the stability of your vehicle on snowy or icy roads was precarious, it may be time to replace your winter tires.

3. Installing winter tires too late or taking them off too soon

As noted above, winter tires are mandatory from December 15^th to March 15^th. That said, we all know that winter, both in Montreal and elsewhere in the province, often comes way before December, and unfortunately it does not leave us until April. All-season tires lose their effectiveness when the outside temperature drops below 7 degrees which happens more frequently in October and often in November. So it is better not to rely on the dates set forth by law, and install winter tires starting in October all the way until April. That way you will avoid being caught in a sudden storm. Moreover, the temperature will not be too hot during this period which means you won’t wear your tires out prematurely.

This article was written in collaboration with Pneus Touchette and TireLand. Come and have a chat with one of their specialists in one of the five locations in the greater Montreal area to discover the winter tire that best suits your needs and fits your budget. Find out more about their promotions on winter tires today, as well as their storage packages.